Having called Talbot County home for over 20 years now, I’ve had the blessing of hearing the stories of past leaders who transformed Talbot County into the loving community we enjoy today. The list of those who built this place we call home reads as a “who’s who “of servant leaders: Nettie Jones, Shirley Gooch, Maggie Farree, Tom Hill, Mike Menzies, Bill Ryan, Richard Marks, Eric Lowery, Dick Bodorff, Blenda Armistead, Bette Kenzie, Delia Denny and so many more.
Today, I want to honor the life of one of those incredible people—Ellen Rajacich—a true legend in every sense of the word.
Ellen was a YMCA volunteer for more than 50 years. She touched the lives of thousands through her group exercise classes, her time in the pool, on the water at the Tred Avon Yacht Club, and her tireless service throughout our community. Her energy, warmth, and passion made a lasting impact wherever she went.
Personally, Ellen had a profound impact on my life. Twenty years ago, as the new CEO of the YMCA of Talbot County, I was only 34—new to the job and still learning. Ellen welcomed me with open arms and quickly showed me the importance of the work the Y, to always be ready for company and work tirelessly to improve the quality of the life of those we’re fortunate enough to serve.
As the Y grew and I found myself in the Easton Y a little less, she always took time for me. With a warm smile and kind hug her favorite question for me was always, “And what are we doing to take care of ourselves?”—a gentle nudge from someone who truly cared.
Ellen embodied love, service, strength, and joy. Her legacy will live on through Talbot County for generations to come. Fair winds and following seas, Mrs. Rajacich. We’ll see each other again down the road.”
Robbie Gill is the CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake
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Ellen was a wonderful mentor and leader during my years at the YMCA teaching Aerobics in Motion and Water Exercise. The group photo captures our enthusiasm and commitment to providing a great program for our participants. (Except for the one grouchy person in the front row, me.)